Organizers are gearing up for the 57th Annual African American Day Parade set for Sunday, Sept. 20 in Harlem. Before you head to the festivities, here are some things you need to know.
1. Black-owned businesses take the spotlight for this year’s theme.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future” celebrating the vital role Black-owned businesses play in creating opportunity, building wealth, and strengthening communities.
2. Be sure to catch the Pre-Parade Show.
Before the parade starts there will be a Pre-Parade Show from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in front of the reviewing stand at West 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. The show will feature performances by community organizations.
3. The grand marshals have made major contributions to African-American culture.
Several business leaders are serving as this year’s grand marshals, including Barbara Askins, president of the Harlem Business Improvement District (BID); J. Alexander Martin, FUBU co-founder and president of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce; Chef Charles Gabriel, founder of Charles Pan Fried Chicken; Michael Preston, co-owner of Harlem Rocket; and Cheryl McKissack Daniel, chair of the board of McKissack & McKissack.
4. This year’s parade is being lead by an HBCU marching band.
The famed Grambling State University (GSU) Tiger Marching Band is scheduled to lead the 57th African American Day Parade (AADP). The renowned marching band from the Louisiana historically Black university will appear as part of the celebration of Grambling State University’s 125th anniversary and the Tiger Marching Band’s 100th anniversary.
5. The parade will host the 4th Annual “Get Involved Community, Literacy, Health, and Culture Celebration”
This year the African American Day Parade is hosting the fourth annual “Get Involved Community Literacy, Health & Celebration of Culture” on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harlem State Office Building Plaza. The event will feature a health panel, health fair, educational activities, food vendors, giveaways, and live entertainment.
Youngster enjoys Sunday’s African American Day parade in Harlem. Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office photo
6. Wave at the politicians (and the candidates) when you see them.
Several politicians will be marching in the parade. Expect to see Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Attorney General Letitia James along with several city and state politicians. With the midterm elections in November, some candidates will be walking the parade route.